Wolfforth Frenship had been considered a perennial contender in West Texas. Under head coach Brad Davis, the Tigers had won at least a share of the district title in every season since 2011. That streak was broken in 2016, as the Tigers finished fourth in District 2-6A.
After a 3-2 start, the Tigers lost four of their final six games and were knocked in the bi-district round by El Paso Americas.
Less than a week after that loss, Davis announced his resignation. As the Tigers continue their head coaching search, how they will look is still unknown. Whoever gets the job will have a good opportunity and some talent to work with.
Key Losses
HC Brad Davis, QB Chandler Brand, DL Jacob Piel
Brad Davis won eight district championships and made the playoffs every year except one during his time at Frenship, including a state semifinal appearance in 2006. Anytime a coach with that winning pedigree moves on, it’s a big loss. Per Matt Stepp, the hiring process is almost complete to find his replacement and there is a lot of intrigue as to who takes over.
At quarterback, Chandler Brand was a versatile quarterback who didn’t put up a ton of yards, but he would put his team in a good position to win. Entering the bi-district round, he accounted for 23 touchdowns (14 passing, 9 rushing) so finding the signal caller to run the offense will also be important.
On the defensive side of the ball, Jacob Piel moves on after putting together an impressive senior season where he finished with 56 tackles, eight for loss, four forced fumbles and three sacks. He was also a leader up front on offense and defense and that is something that will also be difficult to replace.
Key Returners
RB Garrison Johnson, RB/LB Scooter Garcia, WR Camdyn Caravelli
Whoever takes over at Frenship will feel very good knowing that they have a powerful runner in Garrison Johnson to work with. The rising junior put together an impressive sophomore campaign, rushing for over 1,500 yards and 18 touchdowns despite missing some time during the year with injuries. Johnson picked up an offer from Nebraska during the season and the 5-11, 210 pound running back could be in line for more offers as he progresses during his high school career.
Johnson’s injury replacement, Scooter Garcia, proved himself to be another capable runner, finishing with 610 yards and four touchdowns while he replaced Johnson. Garcia also finished the year with 123 tackles at linebacker and he will be called upon as a leader on the defensive side of the ball.
Finally, Camdyn Caravelli returns as the Tigers leading receiver, finishing 2016 with over 700 yards receiving. The rising senior will be the top target for the new Frenship quarterback and his playmaking ability will definitely be counted on to complement the rushing attack of Johnson and Garcia.
Verdict
We’ll all know more about this Frenship team once a new head coach has been named. Until then, I expect the Tigers to stick with the running game, especially when you have a D1 prospect like Johnson and a capable runner in Garcia. On offense, can the passing game provide more balance for Frenship’s powerful runners? I think they can and I expect the Tigers to be competing for a playoff spot and a District 2-6A title.
